Providing the best treatment for our patients is Ingle Farm Dental's priority. This is why we do not participate in third-party preferred provider schemes such as those promoted by some insurance companies. In line with Australian Dental Association policy, our focus is firmly on the importance of trust and reliability in the relationship between dentist and patient.

Decay can happen anytime. Longer waits between check ups may result in problems getting out of control and put gum health at risk. Just as regular servicing of a vehicle is done to ensure it works efficiently and safely, six monthly dental check ups and professional cleans help to prolong the life of your teeth.

There is no evidence to suggest that amalgam is detrimental to health, nor is there any evidence that removing amalgam fillings will improve health.

Not all tooth and jaw problems are easily visible. A clinical exam, where your dentist checks the surfaces of the teeth and fillings only tells part of the story. Even with magnification, it is not possible to see what is happening under the surface. X-rays are useful for locating decay under existing filling and in tight spaces between teeth. At Ingle Farm Dental we recommend having a checkup and clean every 6 months and X-Rays every two years.

We recommend everyone have their teeth cleaned and checked every 6 months. Decay can start at any time; a regular checkup is the best way to detect problems early and avoid more costly treatment later. Calculus or scale harbours bacteria and continuously builds up around your teeth. This scale build up can't be removed by brushing and therefore needs to be regularly cleaned off by your hygienist in order to prevent damage to the gums supporting your teeth.

We use white fillings exclusively for children, while there a variety of materials available for repairing adult teeth.

Good habits are best learned early, so as soon as teeth start breaking through the gums of a teething child it is time to begin daily cleaning. For children under 12 months use a soft face washer or cotton bud to wipe the new teeth. For toddlers gently clean the teeth with a soft toothbrush.

About the two years old is a good age for this. As well as enabling a check up that teeth are forming and breaking through the gums as they should, the first dental visits help build a child's confidence. We suggest that toddlers sit on mum or dad's lap during these examinations.

Yes, Ingle Farm Dental's Hygienist will show your children the correct way to brush and will explain why it is important to care for their teeth and gums.

There is a risk of hurting your child if you try to remove a tooth before it is ready to let go itself. If a loose tooth is distressing your child make an appointment to see your Dentist.

There is no advantage in whitening teeth before early adulthood as that is when growth patterns have stabilised and a mature diet exposes teeth to more staining agents.

Teeth whitening is perfectly acceptable if the treatment is done by a trained professional using approved whitening agents.

For small chips a bonded composite white filling is the usual solution. If a tooth is badly damaged it may be restored with a porcelain crown or a veneer.

Crowns hold fragile teeth together, give them strength while protecting them from further serious damage like splitting or crumbling. Custom made from high quality porcelain (colour matched to your other teeth) or gold, crowns last for many years if properly cared for.

If it is a milk (non-permanent) tooth don't try to put it back, but do give Ingle Farm Dental a call to organise a prompt check up to ensure there is no damage to the gum-line or the permanent tooth that is yet to appear. If a permanent tooth is dislodged put it straight back in the gap in the jaw and see us as soon as possible. If you can't put it back in the mouth, wrap the tooth in cling wrap or put it in milk and get here as quickly as possible. NEVER rinse a dislodged tooth with tap water as that can damage the root surface. If the tooth needs to be cleaned either suck it or rinse it in milk.

If a permanent tooth is dislodged put it straight back in and call for an appointment. If you can't put it back in the mouth wrap it in cling wrap or put in milk and organise to see a member of the Ingle Farm Dental team as quickly as possible. NEVER rinse a dislodged tooth with tap water as that can damage the root surface. If the tooth needs to be cleaned either suck it or rinse it in milk.